Higher Education Plays a Crucial Role in Environmental Conservation

The Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta (UMJ) commemorated World Environment Day 2026 by holding the MemBumi 2026 event at Taman Green Park UMJ on Friday (5/6). Themed ‘Real Action for a Green Campus’, the event is part of the university’s efforts to build a culture of environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices within the academic setting. The series of activities began with a talk show themed on the environment from an Islamic perspective, featuring the Dean of UMJ’s Faculty of Agriculture, Sularno, and the Head of Programme for the NGO Bicara Udara, Primadita Rahma Ekida. UMJ also planted 3,650 tree seedlings in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and PT Wahana Makmur Sejati (Wahana Honda). Furthermore, the campus launched a waste segregation management programme and a Temporary Disposal Site facility as part of strengthening the environmental management system on campus grounds. UMJ Rector Ma’mun Murod stated that the MemBumi programme represents a form of commitment by Muhammadiyah higher education institutions to realise the values of sustainability and care for the environment. According to Ma’mun, Islamic teachings have a close connection with efforts to protect life, humanity, and environmental sustainability. Therefore, environmental issues must become a shared concern. ‘Various teachings in Islamic law are closely related to the protection of life, religion, intellect, human rights, and the environment,’ said Ma’mun. He assessed that the various disasters occurring today cannot be separated from the issue of environmental damage. For this reason, the public needs to help oversee policies related to environmental conservation. Ma’mun expressed the hope that the movement started through MemBumi would not cease as a ceremonial activity but would develop into a sustainable programme involving the entire academic community. On that occasion, UMJ also presented awards to the winners of a Sustainability Survey involving students, lecturers, and education staff. Additionally, the campus announced the Most Sustainable Faculty based on UI GreenMetric score achievements. The Faculty of Engineering took first place with a score of 1,387.5. The next positions were occupied by the Faculty of Public Health with a score of 1,277.5 and the Faculty of Education with a score of 1,190. The event concluded with the release of eco-enzymes into the river stream around the campus as a form of education and a campaign to improve water quality and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Through the MemBumi 2026 programme, UMJ affirms its commitment to developing a green campus that not only builds environmental awareness but also encourages real action towards sustainable development.